Skoda Auto, the legendary Czech car company that was established way back in 1895, has a history of more than 125 years in the automobile industry around the world. It was initially founded as a bicycle production department in Mlada Boleslav, Bohemia, but over time the brand grew into a leading car maker that was highly esteemed in Europe.
The Skoda Kushaq is a five-seat (2-row) compact SUV (B-segment subcompact crossover). The car runs on turbocharged petrol engines 1.0-litre three-cylinder TSI and 1.5-litre four-cylinder TSI engines with a manual and automatic transmission. The Kushaq was given its significant facelift and relaunch on March 21, 2026, with a new look, updated technology, and new pricing, which started at Rs 10.69 lakh (ex-showroom).
Skoda Kushaq Price and Variants
The 2026 Skoda Kushaq comes in five general trim levels, i.e., Classic+, Signature, Sportline, Prestige, and Monte Carlo, in 11 variants with engine and gearbox choices. The entire pricing structure of Delhi is as under:
| Variants | Ex-Showroom Price | On Road Price |
| Classic+ 1.0 TSI MT | Rs 10.69 Lakh | Rs 12.31 Lakh |
| Classic+ 1.0 TSI AT | Rs 12.69 Lakh | Rs 12.31 Lakh |
| Signature 1.0 TSI MT | Rs 14.59 Lakh | Rs 16.80 Lakh |
| Signature 1.0 TSI AT | Rs 15.59 Lakh | Rs 17.96 Lakh |
| Sportline 1.0 TSI MT | Rs 14.74 Lakh | Rs 16.96 Lakh |
| Sportline 1.0 TSI AT | Rs 15.74 Lakh | Rs 18.11 Lakh |
| Prestige 1.0 TSI MT | Rs 16.79 Lakh | Rs 19.30 Lakh |
| Prestige 1.0 TSI AT | Rs 17.59 Lakh | Rs 20.22 Lakh |
| Prestige 1.5 TSI DSG | Rs 18.79 Lakh | Rs 21.60 Lakh |
| Monte Carlo 1.0 TSI AT | Rs 17.89 Lakh | Rs 20.56 Lakh |
| Monte Carlo 1.5 TSI DSG | Rs 18.99 Lakh | Rs 21.84 Lakh |
The base-level Classic+ and Sportline models are only available with the 1.0-litre TSI. The Prestige and Monte Carlo models open the doors to the higher-performance 1.5-litre TSI engine with Skoda’s famous 7-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Skoda Kushaq On Road Price (City-Wise)
| City | Base Variants | On-Road Price |
| Delhi | Classic+ 1.0 TSI MT | Rs 12.31 Lakh |
| Mumbai | Classic+ 1.0 TSI MT | Rs 12.66 Lakh |
| Kolkata | Classic+ 1.0 TSI MT | Rs 12.45 Lakh |
| Hyderabad | Classic+ 1.0 TSI MT | Rs 13.20 Lakh |
| Chennai | Classic+ 1.0 TSI MT | Rs 13.30 Lakh |
Hyderabad and Chennai generally command higher on-road price on account of the high road tax rates in Telangana and Tamil Nadu respectively.
Specifications
| Specification | Details |
| Body Type | Compact SUV (Subcompact Crossover) |
| Seating Capacity | 5 Passengers |
| Length x Width x Height | 4229 mm x 1760 mm x 1612 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,651 mm |
| Boot Space | 385 Litres |
| Capacity of the fuel tank | 50 Litres |
| Engine 1 | 3-cylinder TSI Turbo-Petrol 1.0 litre. |
| Engine 1 Power / Torque | 115 hp / 178 Nm |
| Engine 2 | 1.5 litre 4 cylinder TSI Turbo-Petrol. |
| Engine 2 Power / Torque | 150 hp / 250 Nm |
| Transmission Options | 6-speed MT, 8-speed AT, 7-speed DSG |
| Ground Clearance | 188 mm |
| Kerb Weight | 1,175 – 1,270 kg |
| Tyres | 205/55 R16 | 215/50 R17 (top variants) |
| Platform | MQB-AO-IN |
| Fuel Type | Petrol only |
| NCAP Rating | 5-Star (Global NCAP) |
Mileage, Top Speed & Performance
- The Skoda Kushaq comes in two turbocharged petrol engines, which appeal to various buyer segments. The 1.0-litre TSI is optimized to meet every day urban driving with the intention of fuel economy, whereas the 1.5-litre TSI engine is aimed at the customers who desire more power and highway cruising.
- The Kushaq has some of the highest mileage figures in the compact SUV segment, which is certified by the ARAI. The 1.0 TSI manual achieves up to 19.66 kmpl, 1.0 TSI automatic achieves around 19.09 kmpl and the 1.5 TSI DSG achieves around 18.72 kmpl. Under normal urban circumstances, the owners usually record up to 14 to 15 kmpl on the 1.0-litre, and up to 12kmpl on the 1.5-litre. Both engines work much better on the highway, with the 1.5 TSI able to achieve up to 19 kmpl at a steady highway speed.
- The maximum speed of the Kushaq 1.0 TSI is about 185 km/h, whereas the 1.5 TSI model is capable of a maximum speed of about 205 km/h. The 1.0 TSI motor accelerates to 0 to 100 km/h in about 10.5 seconds in the manual setting, whereas the stronger 1.5 TSI takes about 8.5 seconds to do the same. The 1.0 TSI and 8-speed torque converter automatic that will be used in 2026 is a significant improvement, as the upshifts are smoother and the unit has a higher responsiveness at low-speed conditions in the city environment than the previous 6-speed one.
Skoda Kushaq Interior Features
Enter the 2026 Skoda Kushaq and you are greeted with a cabin that looks much higher than its price tag.
- The dashboard is treated in a two-color beige and black that gives the interior a lightweight, high quality touch.
- The driver-facing panel is dominated by a recently introduced fully digital instrument cluster, 10.25-inch, which has a variety of display layouts and built-in turn-by-turn navigation.
- It is accompanied by a 10.07-inch floating-type infotainment screen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
- Skoda has also fitted the Kushaq with creature comforts such as ventilated front seats, powered driver-seat adjustment, ambient lighting with various colour options, wireless phone charging, and a rear seat massage (only available on higher variants), which are thoughtfully considered.
- The panorama sun-roof installed on the Prestige and Monte Carlo trims overwhelms the cabin with natural light and even the base Classic+ is provided with single-pane electric sun-roof.
- Storage compartments are spacious, with a deep centre console box, large door pockets with the capacity to accommodate 1-litre bottles, and a large glovebox.
- The back seat is comfortable to two adults and has acceptable knee room and each passenger has a dedicated air conditioning vent.
- The quality of the construction all over the cabin is in keeping with the European DNA of Skoda with solid fitting of panel, touch-sensitive materials at the points of contact and also having a very quiet cabin at the cruising speeds.
Exterior Features
The 2026 Skoda Kushaq facelift is a bold visual representation with a range of new exterior features.
- An all-new LED light bar anchors the front end, spanning the entire width of the grille, and is flanked by redesigned LED headlamps and unique LED daytime running lights – forming a recognizable face that appears to be modern and assured.
- The front grille has also been incorporated with sporty red stripe detailing and the lighted Skoda wordmark, which is again replicated to the rear.
- In the back, there are redesigned connected LED tail lights, with a bold dash and dot design, that complete the appearance of the front light bar.
- The Skoda font has been lightened up in all models. The Monte Carlo trim is specially blacked out and badged, and given sportier front and rear bumpers.
- Alloy wheels are also present in all the models, 16-inch on the entry trims and 17-inch on the middle and top trims, a major improvement in the new generation.
Skoda Kushaq Colours Availability
The Kushaq is available in eight upscale colours, which are:
- Carbon Steel
- Lava Blue
- Deep Black
- Candy White
- Brilliant Silver
- Cherry Red
- Shimla Green, and Steel Grey.
- Note – Some models have the choice of a contrasting carbon steel roof with dual-tone, and matte finish options to those who want a unique appearance.
Skoda Kushaq Safety Features
The Skoda Kushaq has safety as one of its strengths. Global NCAP has fully rated the car at 5 stars in terms of adult occupant protection, supported by a structurally stiff body and extensive airbag protection. The 2026 model has a base version having more than 25 standard safety features that have more than 40 features on top trims.
The most important safety features are:
- 6 Airbags (dual front, side, curtain airbags on top models)
- Electronic Stability Control/ Traction Control (ESC).
- Multi-Collision Brake (MCB) — brakes are applied automatically after a first collision.
- Hill Hold Control – inhibits backslopping.
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
- Rear Parking Sensors and Reverse Camera
- Front and Rear Disc Brakes (1.5 TSI variants)
- Isofix Child Seat Anchors.
- Speed Alert System and Seatbelt reminders in all rows.
- In addition to the overall peace-of-mind ownership offer of the Kushaq, Skoda offers a 4-year / 1,00,000 km standard warranty as well.
Kushaq Reviews & Ratings
Skoda Kushaq has continuously garnered great reviews among the professional automotive journalists and the average owners.
- The Kushaq also has a rating of 4.2-4.5 out of 5 on the CarDekho and CarWale, which makes it one of the top-rated compact SUVs in the segment. Often pointed out by owners are the turbocharged engine performance, European quality of the build, highway comfort, and a more high-quality looking cabin than their competitors in the same price range.
- According to professional reviewers at Autocar India, the Kushaq has achieved a delicate balance between driving dynamics, safety and value. The 2026 facelift has been applauded with the improved 8-speed automatic transmission, the panoramic sunroof, the digital cockpit, and the much better rear seat experience, the massage feature. Criticisms have been cited such as the lack of a 360-degree camera, no branded sound system, and limited boot space of 385 litres to their competitors in the class.
- General satisfaction among users is generally high with the majority of owners attesting to the reliability of performance, low service price with authorised Skoda centres and a rewarding driving experience significantly different than the Korean and Japanese competitors in the same category.
Skoda Kushaq Competitors Comparison
The Skoda Kushaq is a car that is competing in one of the most competitive markets in India, the compact SUV market. Key rivals include:
Hyundai Creta – the most popular compact SUV in India; it has more features and ADAS, a hybrid version.
Kia Seltos – Full-equipped competitor with good resale and wide range of variants.
Volkswagen Taigun — Badge-engineered brother on the same MQB-AO-IN undercarriage; direct rival.
Maruti Grand Vitara / Toyota Hyryder – Good hybrid models with a class-leading fuel economy.
Honda Elevate — Quality Japanese with an emphasis on comfort and usefulness.
Most of these competitors are bottom-ransomes by the Kushaq with its starting price of Rs 10.69 lakh, and it also distinguishes itself with the 5-star NCAP rating, turbocharged engines on all versions, and European quality that few competitors in the industry can afford.
Why the Skoda Kushaq is the Best Buy
The 2026 Skoda Kushaq is a strong contender to those who desire a balanced compact SUV, which does not sacrifice on safety, performance, or quality. The reason it warrants serious consideration is as follows:
- 5-Star Global NCAP Safety Rating: Not many compact SUVs in this price category have certified crash safety to this extent.
- Turbocharged Engines Standard in all variants: The even the base Classic+ has a powerful 1.0 TSI turbo-petrol, providing snappy performance and reasonable efficiency.
- High-end Construction: Skoda has an engineering background with the European origin that is reflected in gapless panel fitting, solid interior, and smooth ride.
- Safe, Fully-Equipped, and Feature-Rich: Lower trims have alloy wheels, electric sunroof, digital cockpit, and wireless Android Auto.
- Best-in-Segment Warranty: 4-year / 1,00,000 km coverage: enjoy a peace of mind with reduced long-term ownership expenses.
- Segment-First Features: Panoramic sunroof, rear seat massage, and 8-speed torque converter automatic are all class leaders.
- Price After Facelift: The Kushaq will now start at Rs 10.69 lakh, lower than most of the rivals in the segment such as the Creta, Seltos, and Hyryder.
Conclusion
The Skoda Kushaq 2026 facelift is not a mere update, but a statement. It has revamped its style, advanced technology, enhanced safety ratings, and turbocharged performance at all trim levels, which have enhanced its argument as one of the best compact SUVs you can purchase in India today.
You can be a first-time SUV buyer staring at the Rs 10.69 lakh Classic+ or you are a driving enthusiast and you can stare at the Rs 18.99 lakh Monte Carlo 1.5 TSI DSG, the Kushaq will provide you with an experience that is unmistakably premium. The Skoda Kushaq can be an excellent option in 2026 to buyers who are more concerned with safety, quality, and driving joy.
FAQs
- What is the initial price of the Skoda Kushaq in India?
The Skoda Kushaq 2026 starts at Rs 10.69 lakh (ex-showroom) for the Classic+ 1.0 TSI MT variant. This base model costs around Rs 12.31 lakh on the road in Delhi including registration, insurance, and other fees. - What is the fuel efficiency of Skoda Kushaq?
Skoda Kushaq has an ARAI certified mileage of between 18.72kmpl and 19.66kmpl, depending on the engine and gearbox combination. The most fuel-efficient is the 1.0 TSI Manual with a mileage of up to 19.66 kmpl. In reality, city mileage is between 13 and 15 kmpl. - Does the Skoda Kushaq have a sunroof?
Yes. Electric sunroof has become standard in all the Kushaq variants in the 2026 update. Increased trims such as Prestige and Monte Carlo are fitted with a panorama sunroof that is quite an improvement to the pre-facelift model.
